He deserves justice

SO MANY letters to your newspaper have condemned David Hicks, accusing him of being a terrorist, a traitor and other terrible things.
   These accusers seem unaware that the man has not been tried yet and therefore should be presumed innocent until proved guilty.
   I also believe if there was any degree of justice in this situation, David Hicks should be tried in Australia and not in the US, where his is unlikely to receive any justice.
   It is obvious that John Howard is not the slightest bit interested in David Hicks getting a fair trial. He probably doesn't want to risk any displeasure from his wonderful mate George Bush.
   Mr Howard demonstrated incredible loyalty and support for Peter Hollingworth. In stark contrast to this, John Howard will not lift a finger to help David Hicks. Neither will Alexander Downer.   R.CHURCHILL, Cottesloe.

It’s treason

DAVID HICKS' father appeared in public in America enclosed in a cage the size his son is being detained in. He said he wouldn't treat a dog like that, and he's quite right. When a dog becomes a threat to neighbours it is usually put down.
   Hicks may never have fired a shot at allied troops, but training with terrorists isn't exactly like joining the Boy Scouts and I'm sure the Taliban had neither the time nor inclination to waste on an individual who never had any intention of employing the killing skills he had been taught.
   Treason can't be dressed up as anything else, even by the most devoted of do-gooders, and even if that offence is committed against an ally, it's treason just the same and that allied country has every right to try the offender. Australians caught dealing in drugs aren't sent home to face trial, nor should they be, and likewise neither should David Hicks.   B.WILLIAMS, East Victoria Park.

You traitors

I DON'T understand why David Hicks is a traitor to Australia. He joined the Taliban, a bunch of fanatics who probably didn't even know how to spell America before they were told to hate it.
   Al-Qaida and the Taliban are separate groups. Hicks joined the Taliban and I think he should be punished for being stupid, but he was not hired by Al-Qaida.
   You out there are traitors when you turn your back on an Australian man just because the US says so.   K.BARNDON, Doubleview.